Carrier path prediction based on dynamic input data

ABSTRACT

A method and system for managing carrier vessel information are provided. A carrier path and shipment planning system receives carrier information associated with individual carrier vessels from a plurality of carrier information sources. Based on the carrier information the carrier path and shipment planning system processes the carrier information to form complete path scenarios. The carrier path and shipment planning system associates control rules to the complete path scenarios to determine one or more candidate paths. The carrier path and shipment planning system can then generate various interfaces for identifying selected, ranked paths, information associated with a competitive marketplace and availability information for contracting for cargo shipment. A user can then further manipulate the user interfaces for scenario planning or filtering available selections.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a system and method for carrier pathprediction of the type which may be used to predict the paths ofvehicles or vessels which can accept cargo for shipment, to enable thirdparties to select a carrier for shipping cargo.

BACKGROUND

Generally described, computing devices and communication networks can beutilized to exchange data and/or information. In a common application, acomputing device can request content from another computing device viathe communication network. For example, a user at a personal computingdevice can utilize a browser application to request a content page(e.g., a network page, a Web page, etc.) from a server computing devicevia the network (e.g., the Internet). In such embodiments, the usercomputing device can be referred to as a client computing device and theserver computing device can be referred to as a content provider.

With regard to the shipping industry, various content providers mayprovide information regarding the location, destination or generalavailability for identifiable carrier equipment, such as cargo carriersor shipping vessels. For organizations wishing to understand a path oftravel, such as destinations, waypoints, etc., for any particularcarrier or carrier equipment, information available from differentcontent providers, or sources, may be incomplete or otherwiseinconsistent. Additionally, information provided to differentorganizations may vary based on availability or business relationships.

Generally described, a carrier organization can provide carrierequipment, or cargo carriers, such as vehicles or vessels, that canaccept cargo for shipment. With regard to ocean going vessels,individual travels of a vessel may be associated with a set of data,generally referred to as a voyage, that is defined by a startinglocation and an ending location. In between the starting location andthe ending location, the set of data corresponding to a voyage can alsoinclude loading locations that define specific locations for taking oncargo, waypoints that define locations in which the vessel may passduring travel, discharge locations that define specific location fordischarging at least portions of cargo, and stopping locations thatdefine specific locations in which vessel travel may be temporarilypaused. In some embodiments, voyages can be dynamic in nature as acarrier organization may adjust one or more locations (e.g., waypoints,stopping locations, etc.) during a voyage.

To maximize revenue, carrier organizations will attempt to contract withone or more third parties to transport cargo during a defined voyage. Ina typical scenario, the capacity of individual vessels to accept cargothroughout different aspects of a voyage can change. For example, anindividual vessel may have no capacity at the beginning of a voyage bytaking on a full cargo load at the starting location. During the voyage,the vessel may traverse one or more discharge locations in which thevessel gains capacity to accept additional cargo as it travels toadditional locations in the voyage, such as waypoints, dischargelocations, stopping locations, etc. In this example, the carrierorganization may wish to take on additional cargo contracts tosupplement or replace cargo as it is discharged throughout the voyage.In another example, a vessel may have full capacity to accept cargo asthe vessel begins a voyage and travels to an established loadinglocation to take on cargo. In this example, the carrier organization maywish to take on additional cargo that can be transported and dischargedprior to arriving at the loading location.

Various third-party organizations wishing to secure shipping servicesfor cargo (“third-party shipper”) to transport a specific cargo from afirst location to a second location attempt to obtain as muchinformation as possible to negotiate and secure cargo shipping contractswith individual carrier organizations. Third-party shippers can requestinformation regarding expected voyage locations from a carrierorganization. Third-party shippers can also request informationassociated with individual vessels such as an Automatic IdentificationSystem (“AIS”) system. Illustratively, AIS systems can include staticinformation, such as ship size, dynamic information, such as currentspeed, course, and position, and voyage information, such as estimatedtime of arrival predicted by a captain. Additionally, third-partyshippers can request information from various organizations that may beinvolved in aspects of the vessel or shipping, such as brokers utilizedto negotiated cargo contracts, ports of call, and the like in order tolocate a vessel suitable for the cargo and route they require.

Third-party shippers may have access to different types of informationor different levels of information from a specific information source.For example, a larger volume third-party shipper or carrier organizationmay negotiate with shipping organizations to get more detailed voyageinformation, such as hourly reports regarding current location and pathof travel. In contrast, a lower volume third-party shipper or carrierorganization may only have access to general publicly available voyageinformation that is provided once a day or once a week. Informationsources do not typically confirm to a defined format or standard and areoften transmitted via different forms of communication (e.g., textualinformation via electronic mail and online communication platforms vs.published in a Web site).

In some known designs for ship location prediction systems, such asdescribed in Parolas et al., Prediction of Vessels' Estimated Time ofArrival (ETA) Using Machine Learning—A Port of Rodderdam Case Study, 6thAnnual Meeting of the Transportation Research 46 Board (January 2017), apotential path or ETA for a vessel can be predicted using a singlesource of information, such as AIS information. Such systems attempt tosupplement inherent errors associated with a single source ofinformation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS

An aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein includesthe realization that carrier path prediction systems that rely on asingle source of information suffer from drawbacks that can be overcomeby analyzing information from a plurality of sources and identifying andcompensating for incomplete or inconsistent information regardingvoyages for individual carriers. For example, a shipping professionalmight receive from one or more information sources, general informationthat a particular vessel will be in Asia, without any details regardingspecific ports of call or timeframes for travel. In another example, agenerally public report may indicate that a vessel nearby the southernportion of the United States is traveling toward Central American orSouth American ports of call while alternative sources may indicate thatthe path of travel is toward the European ports of call. Accordingly,single information source systems do not attempt to address inherentissues associated with multiple information sources or dynamicallyvariable information sources. Rather, single source systems typicallyattempt to correct issues associated with weather induced delays orother delays experienced during a voyage.

The dynamic and incomplete nature of carrier information also presentsvarious technical problems for third-party shippers attempting tocontract with carriers to transport cargo. For example, individualinformation sources about one or more carrier organizations or vesselscan be formatted and provided in manner that requires specializedknowledge or procedures. Such diversity in formatting and sourcescreates inefficiencies in processing the vessel voyage information andin providing available information in a way that facilitates assessmentof carrier availability. Additionally, the potential for inconsistent orincomplete information creates additional processing and decision makinginefficiencies for selecting carrier organizations and individualvessels. Still further, the potential variances in accessibility oravailability of carrier information provided by third-party shipperscreate additional inefficiencies by varying carrier informationavailable to individual third-party shippers. These and other factorsmake the prediction of routes of potentially available carrier vesselsprocess intensive and often lacking in accuracy. Other problems andtechnical difficulties may be apparent to one skilled in the relevantart and accordingly are not limited to the illustrative inefficienciesdescribed above.

Another aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed hereinincludes the realization that methods and systems for predicting cargoship voyage paths can be improved to provide significantly faster andmore accurate results by analyzing vessel voyage information frommultiple sources and identifying common anchor points among a pluralityof initial partial voyage paths, then resolving complete path scenariosbased at least in part the identified common anchor points.

Another aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed hereinincludes the realization that providing a system that can generatevoyage path and shipment availability predictions for more than onehundred vessels for at least two weeks into the future in less thanone-half hour can provide a shipping professions with a significantadvantage in the ability to identify the best vessel for a particularproposed shipment. For example, some modern shipping professionals canbe provided with vessel information updates as frequently as everyone-half hour, from multiple vessel information sources, regarding overone hundred vessels. Currently, some such professionals compete withother similarly positioned professionals, each attempting to find avessel that can satisfy a particular shipment as quickly as possible.Such a shipping professional might receive information regarding anumber of vessels that could potentially satisfy a shipment, one-halfhour later, and before the professional contracts with an appropriatevessel, new information arrives indicating a different set of vesselsthat might be available. This higher frequency cycle of information flowcan make it difficult for a shipping professional to successfullyinvestigate potential vessel availability with the best, most recentlyupdated information.

Another aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed hereinincludes the realization that process of analyzing and indexing vesselinformation received by shipping professionals, and subsequentprediction of vessel voyage paths, can be significantly improved byproviding a service for indexing non-indexed vessel information. Forexample, some shipping professionals receive large numbers ofcommunications with vessel information, many of which can be in for formof non-indexed full text, images of text, and can be formatted invarious different ways. Some such communications can come be transmittedto shipping professional in the form of emails, faxes, or other forms ofcommunications.

Thus, in some embodiments, a (system/method) for predicting shippingvessel availability can include a natural language vessel informationparser configured to index, non-indexed vessel information from aplurality of different sources and formatted in a plurality of differentformats into at least vessel name data, port name data, and vesselstatus data. In some embodiments, the methods and systems can recognizeabbreviations and acronyms that are unique to the shipping industry. Assuch, a professional can input large numbers of emails into the vesselavailability prediction system, including emails that might havenon-indexed, variably formatted, full text or images of text relating toa large number of vessels, and receive predicted availability solutionswith only a short wait. For example, in some embodiments, the systemsand methods can provide predicted availability results for over athousand vessels, extending more than two weeks into the future, usingcomputer hardware that is currently widely available on the commercialmarket. Further improvements can be obtained by streamlining theprediction process by identifying common anchor points among a pluralityof initial skeleton voyage paths and using such anchor points to reducethe number of calculations required for determining complete voyagepaths. For example, using such anchor point analysis can reduceprocessing time for predicting vessel availability for over one hundredvessels for greater than two weeks into the future, using computerhardware that is currently widely available on the commercial market.Such rapidly generated results can further better enable a shippingprofessional to investigate potential shipping contracts based onup-to-date information with the vessel operators likely to agree to themost favorable terms for shipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Throughout the drawings, reference numbers may be re-used to indicatecorrespondence between referenced elements. The drawings are provided toillustrate example embodiments described herein and are not intended tolimit the scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a carrier planning environment thatincludes one or more user devices, one or more carrier informationsources, a carrier path and shipment planning system and carrierorganizations in accordance with some embodiments;

FIGS. 1B1 and 1B2 are block diagrams illustrative of voyage statediagrams defining one or more locations for a vessel in accordance withsome embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrative of components of user device forrequesting and receiving content associated with carrier pathdeterminations in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrative of components of a carrier pathand shipment planning system in accordance with some embodiments;

FIGS. 4A-4B are block diagrams of the carrier planning environment ofFIG. 1 illustrating the collection of carrier information sources andprocessing of carrier information to generate carrier path informationin accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrative of a carrier informationprocessing and planning routine implemented by a carrier path andshipment planning system in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrative of data input processing routineimplemented by a carrier path and shipment planning system in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrative of a path generation routineimplemented by a carrier path and shipment planning system in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrative of a full path scenario processingroutine implemented by a carrier path and shipment planning system inaccordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrative of a user interface generated ona user device identifying carrier information in accordance with someembodiments; and

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrative of a user interface generated ona user device identifying carrier information in accordance with someembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To address at least in part some of the above-described deficienciesassociated with managing one or more aspects of carrier organizationsand third-party shippers, aspects of the present application correspondto a method and system for managing carrier vessel information. Morespecifically, aspects of the present application correspond to a carrierpath and shipment planning system for processing carrier informationsources to predict one or more paths for one or more carrier vessels.The carrier information sources can correspond to at least partialinformation related to one or more carrier equipment, such as vessels.For any given vessel, the carrier information can illustratively includeone or more of an automatic identification system (“AIS”) informationsource relating to location information for vessels, market intelligence(“MI”) information source(s) related to information regarding a nextdestination/operation of vessels, fixtures information source(s) relatedto loading and discharging information for vessels, port authoritiesinformation source(s) related to loading and discharging information forvessels, customer user information source(s) related to informationabout own vessels and historical voyage information related to previousvoyage information for vessels.

Based on the carrier information source information, the carrier pathand shipment planning system processes the carrier information togenerate a set of skeleton scenario paths that identify possible voyageinformation corresponding to individual carrier information sources.Illustratively, the carrier path and shipment planning system furtheridentifies anchoring information along with the skeleton scenario pathsthat serves as reference information for comparing and furtherprocessing the skeleton scenario paths.

Utilizing the generated skeleton scenario paths and anchoringinformation, the carrier path and shipment planning system processes theset of skeleton scenario paths to create one or more complete scenarios.The complete scenarios represent various combinations of the skeletonscenario paths that may be possible. The carrier path and shipmentplanning system can further process any outstanding skeleton scenariopaths and assess penalty models for completed paths. The penalty modelsillustratively characterize weights or scores for possible completedpaths that characterize the potential for errors in the calculated path.These penalty scores may be based on the amount of information used togenerate each skeleton path and thus relate to the likelihood of thatskeleton path being accurate. Based on the penalty models, the carrierpath and shipment planning system utilizes control rules that reflectspecific business rules and assigns a score that determines the degreeof suitability/matching of the rule onto the path. The carrier path andshipment planning system also assigns scores that define whether afuture path is feasible or not.

Based on the further processing, the carrier path and shipment planningsystem then ranks the paths and determines one or more candidate paths.The carrier path and shipment planning system can then generate variousinterfaces for identifying selected, ranked paths, informationassociated with a competitive marketplace and availability informationfor contracting for cargo shipment. A user can then further manipulatethe user interfaces for scenario planning or filtering availableselections.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the present application, thecarrier path and shipment planning system can continue to leverage theinformation sources and level of information that is available toindividual third-parties. Accordingly, it may be possible for theresults of the processing of the shipping information sources to havedifferent outcomes for different third-parties based on differentshipping information or levels of shipping information. For example, afirst third-party shipper may have detailed access to waypoint locationinformation or destination location information while a secondthird-party shipper may have only generic access to the same type ofinformation.

Based on aspects of the present application, the carrier path andshipment planning system will be described as facilitating variousapplications or examples for associating paths for various vessels basedon a dynamic set of carrier information sources. Such examples areillustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting orexhaustive of all possible applications of one or more aspects of thepresent application.

FIG. 1A illustrates a general carrier planning environment 100 formanaging information associated with one or more carrier organizationsand one or more third-party shipping organizations. The carrier planningenvironment 100 includes a plurality of user devices 102 utilized byindividual users, generally referred to as user computing devices, torequest access to carrier and shipping information from a carrier pathand shipment planning system 120. Illustratively, the carrier path andshipment planning system 120 receives carrier and shipping informationfrom a plurality of information sources 130 available to each individualthird-party and generates one or more paths for carrier equipment suchas vessels to facilitate the selection and contracting of vessels bythird-party shippers. The carrier path and shipment planning system mayreceive carrier and shipping information specific to a third party to beprocessed in response to a request from a third party shipper.Additionally, the carrier path and shipment planning system 120 canreceive configuration information, such as data processing rules, fromcomputing devices associated with one or more carrier organizations 150.

With reference to FIGS. 1B1 and 1B2, as described above, individualvessel voyages can be defined as a series of locations. Illustratively,individual locations in a voyage can be further characterized based onone or more actions that relate, or otherwise impact, the ability forthe vessel to contract with third-party shippers. In one aspect, asillustrated in FIG. 1B1, a voyage can include a set of locations thatare well-established or have otherwise already occurred in the past. Forexample, a vessel may begin a voyage by a set of load locations 160, 162in which the vessel takes on cargo. In this illustrative example, thevessel may be attributed to no capacity or little capacity to take onadditional cargo. Additionally, the voyage can include one or morewaypoint locations 164 in which the vessel has passed or which have beenattributed to the vessel. Thereafter, the voyage can include one or moredischarge locations 166, 168 in which cargo has been discharged. In thisillustrative example, upon completion of the discharge, the vessel cantake on increasing ability to take on cargo.

For purposes of illustration, for purposes of predicting futurelocations, after discharge location 168, a carrier path and shipmentplanning system 120 can receive information that may be indicative ofone or more different types of activities for a possible location thatmay be attributed to the illustrated voyage. More specifically,illustratively, for a next location, the location, can be a waypointlocation 170, a stop location 172, an orders stop location 174, a repairlocation 176. Each of these potential illustrative location typesrepresent different branches/possibilities for the voyage, which caninfluence other possible future locations. As will be described ingreater detail below, if carrier information is incomplete, inconsistentor otherwise ambiguous, the carrier path and shipment planning system120 can generate multiple potential paths representing differentbranching outcomes and attribute confidence and feasibility scores forthe different modeled paths.

Turning to FIG. 1B2, assume that branch discussed above with regard toFIG. 1B1, corresponds to a waypoint location 170. Based on thisdetermination, the carrier path and shipment planning system 120 canproject additional future locations 178, such as waypoint 180 and 182.The complete path illustrated in FIG. 1B2, can then be ranked andprovided graphically to a user to facilitate the selection of a carriervessel for shipment. One skilled in the relevant art will appreciatethat voyages do not necessarily need to be in the order illustrated inFIGS. 1B1 and 1B2.

Returning to FIG. 1A, user computing devices 102 may include any numberof different computing devices capable of communicating with acommunication network 140 via a direct connection or via anintermediary. For example, individual accessing computing devices maycorrespond to a laptop or tablet computer, personal computer, wearablecomputer, server, personal digital assistant (“PDA”), hybrid PDA/mobilephone, mobile phone, electronic book reader, set-top box, camera,electronic appliance, controller, digital media player, watch, eyewear,a home or car device, Internet of Things (“IoT”) devices, virtualreality or augmented reality devices, and the like. Each user computingdevice 102 may optionally include one or more data stores (not shown inFIG. 1) including various applications or computer-executableinstructions, such as web browsers, used to implement the embodimentsdisclosed herein. Illustrative components of a user computing device 102will be described with regard to FIG. 2.

The communication network 140 may be any wired network, wirelessnetwork, or combination thereof. In addition, the network 140 may be apersonal area network, local area network, wide area network, cablenetwork, fiber network, satellite network, cellular telephone network,data network or combination thereof. In the example environment of FIG.1, network 140 is a global area network (“GAN”), such as the Internet.Protocols and components for communicating via the other aforementionedtypes of communication networks are well known to those skilled in theart of computer communications and thus, need not be described in moredetail herein. While user devices 102 are depicted as having a singleconnection to the network 140, individual components of the user devices102 may be connected to the network 140 at disparate points.Accordingly, communication times and capabilities may vary between thecomponents of FIG. 1.

The content delivery environment 100 can include a plurality of carrierinformation sources 130 for delivering input signals to the carrier pathand shipment planning system 120. The carrier information sources 130may include one or more servers for delivering content, a data store formaintaining content and a communication manager for facilitatingcommunications to the carrier path and shipment planning system 120 overnetwork 140. Additionally, the carrier information sources 130 canprovide carrier information to the carrier path and shipment planningsystem 120, such as via an API (Application Programming Interface).

In accordance with embodiments, the carrier path and shipment planningsystem 120 includes a set of computing components that implement acarrier information processing service 122 for receiving and processingcontent provided by the carrier information sources 130 (or othersources). Aspects of the carrier information processing service 122 willbe described with regard to FIG. 3. The carrier path and shipmentplanning system 120 can include one or more data stores 128 forreceiving and maintaining carrier information, such as a database inwhich carrier information for each individual carrier can be maintained.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the carrier pathand shipment planning system 120 may have fewer or greater componentsthan are illustrated in FIG. 1. Thus, the depiction of the carrier pathand shipment planning system 120 in FIG. 1 should be taken asillustrative. For example, in some embodiments, components of thecarrier path and shipment planning system 120 may be executed by onemore virtual machines implemented in a hosted computing environment. Ahosted computing environment may include one or more rapidly provisionedand released computing resources, which computing resources may includecomputing, networking or storage devices. Additionally, the data stores124 may be implemented in a distributed manner that encompasses multiplecomputing devices geographically or logically distinct.

FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of an architecture of an illustrative usercomputing device 102 that can generate content requests and processmetric information in accordance with the present application. Thegeneral architecture of the user computing device 102 depicted in FIG. 2includes an arrangement of computer hardware and software componentsthat may be used to implement aspects of the present disclosure. Asillustrated, the user computing device 102 includes a processing unit204, a network interface 206, an input/output device interface 209, anoptional display 202, and an input device 224, all of which maycommunicate with one another by way of a communication bus.

The network interface 206 may provide connectivity to one or morenetworks or computing systems, such as the network 140 of FIG. 1A andthe carrier path and shipment planning system 120. The processing unit204 may thus receive information and instructions from other computingsystems or services via a network. The processing unit 204 may alsocommunicate to and from memory 210 and further provide outputinformation for an optional display 202 via the input/output deviceinterface 209. The input/output device interface 209 may also acceptinput from the optional input device 224, such as a keyboard, mouse,digital pen, etc. In some embodiments, the user computing device 102 mayinclude more (or fewer) components than those shown in FIG. 2.

The memory 210 may include computer program instructions that theprocessing unit 204 executes in order to implement one or moreembodiments. The memory 210 generally includes RAM, ROM, or otherpersistent or non-transitory memory. The memory 210 may store anoperating system 214 that provides computer program instructions for useby the processing unit 204 in the general administration and operationof the user computing device 102. The memory 210 may further includecomputer program instructions and other information for implementingaspects of the present disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, thememory 210 includes interface software 212 for requesting and receivingcontent from the carrier path and shipment planning system 120

FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of an architecture of an illustrativecarrier information processing service 122 for implementing the carrierpath and shipment planning system 120 described herein. The generalarchitecture of the carrier information processing service 122 depictedin FIG. 3 includes an arrangement of computer hardware and softwarecomponents that may be used to implement aspects of the presentdisclosure. As illustrated, the carrier information processing service122 of the carrier path and shipment planning system 120 includes aprocessing unit 304, a network interface 306, a computer readable mediumdrive 308, an input/output device interface 309, all of which maycommunicate with one another by way of a communication bus. Thecomponents of the carrier information processing service 122 may bephysical hardware components or implemented in a virtualizedenvironment.

The network interface 306 may provide connectivity to one or morenetworks or computing systems, such as the network 14 of FIG. 1A. Theprocessing unit 304 may thus receive information and instructions fromother computing systems or services via a network. The processing unit304 may also communicate to and from memory 310 and further provideoutput information for an optional display via the input/output deviceinterface 309. In some embodiments, the carrier information processingservice 122 may include more (or fewer) components than those shown inFIG. 3.

The memory 310 may include computer program instructions that theprocessing unit 304 executes in order to implement one or moreembodiments. The memory 310 generally includes RAM, ROM, or otherpersistent or non-transitory memory. The memory 310 may store anoperating system 312 that provides computer program instructions for useby the processing unit 304 in the general administration and operationof the carrier path and shipment planning system 120.

The memory 310 may further include computer program instructions andother information for implementing aspects of the present disclosure.For example, in one embodiment, the memory 310 includes interfacesoftware 314 for receiving and processing requests from user devices102, configuration information from carrier organizations 150 andcarrier information from carrier information sources 130. Memory 310includes three components for processing carrier information to generateprocessed path information as will be described below. Morespecifically, the memory 310 includes a path generation component 316 togenerate skeleton scenario paths from carrier information, a pathevaluation component 318 to process a set of skeleton scenario pathsinto complete paths and a path ranking component 320 to score, sort andrank possible paths. These components represent various logicalcomponents implementing one or more of the processes identified in thepresent application. However, such components are illustrative in natureand the functionality associated with the various components can beimplemented in separate computing devices or in various combinationsthereof.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A-4B, an illustrative interaction for theprocessing of carrier information by the components of the carrierplanning environment 100 will be described. For purposes ofillustration, the components of carrier planning environment 100 havebeen simplified. However, one skilled in the relevant art willappreciate that interaction between the components can includeadditional communications and may involve additional components notspecifically illustrated in the FIGS. 4A and 4B.

With reference to FIG. 4A, the initial configuration of the carrierinformation processing service 122 will be described. As previouslydescribed, in one aspect of the present application, each user of thecarrier information processing service 122, such as a third-partyshipper, can have different access to carrier information in the form ofdifferent sets of carrier information sources 130 or different levels ortypes of information from the same carrier information source. Forexample, a first user may have access to shipping reports identifyingavailable to carriers at a port provided by a specific third partybroker while a second user may not have access to the same report. Inanother example, two users may have access to the samereport/information provided by an information source. However, the firstuser may only have access to generally public information available tolarge set of users (including public information). A second user mayhave access to much more detailed information from the same source thatcan include additional or alternative information not available to thefirst user (or similar users).

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, in one embodiment, to access the carrierinformation processing service 122, at (1), the user device 102transmits a carrier path and planning request to the carrier informationprocessing service 122. Illustratively, the transmission of the requestcan include various protocols to establish secure communications andauthenticate the user computing device with the carrier informationprocessing service 122. Additionally, the request can identify potentialcarrier information sources (or credentials), levels of informationaccess (or credentials), and the like. In some embodiments, the carrierinformation processing service 122 can maintain and utilize profiles sothat the request from user device 102 would not necessarily require thetransmission of credentials each time. Additionally, for purposes of theillustration, the request can also identify search criteria (or accessdefault criteria) that can identify particular ports of interest, datesof shipping, types of cargo, and the like.

At (2), the carrier information processing service 122 processes therequest from the user device 102 and identifies the carrier informationsources 130. Illustratively, the identification of the carrierinformation sources can be based on credentials included in the requestor maintained in a profile. In other embodiments, the carrierinformation processing service 122 can process information about theuser computing device 102 request to identify information sourcesincluding information sources not identified by the user or userrequest. For example, individual information sources may providecriteria that indicate user eligibility for information.

At (3), the carrier information processing service 122 configuresconditional access rules that identify the level or type of informationthat users are able to access. As described above, in one embodiment,the carrier information processing service 122 can filter or otherwiseassign information provided by carrier information sources 130 based onconditional accesses rules. The conditional access rules illustrativelyfacilitate the carrier information processing service 122 processingreceived carrier information based on user credentials, time of day, andother criteria. The conditional access rules can be maintained on a peruser basis, per carrier information source basis or both.

Turning now to FIG. 4B, illustrative interaction for the processing ofcarrier information will be described. At (1), the carrier informationprocessing service 122 and a plurality of information sources 130exchange raw information sources related to the travel of carrierequipment, such as vessels. By way of example, the plurality ofinformation sources can include one or more AIS information sources thatdescribed various information about the vessels, including vesselattributes, location, movement, direction and stated voyage. Theplurality of information sources can also include marketing intelligencesystem information sources that can include various informationregarding the intended voyage locations for identifiable vessels orcarriers provided by independent third-parties, such as broker reports.The plurality of information can also include one or more fixtureinformation sources that identify information regarding cargoloading/discharging and capacity for identifiable vessels. The pluralityof information sources can further include one or more port authorityinformation sources that identify various information regarding actionsassociated with identifiable vessels, cargo and attributable actions(e.g., loading, discharging, etc.). The plurality of information sourcescan also include one or more user input information sources thatcorrespond to custom or manually entered information about identifiablevessels. The plurality of information sources can also include one ormore historical information sources for relaying information regardinghistorical voyages for identifiable vessels or carriers.

As will be explained below, the carrier information processing service122 can receive multiple information, process the information to formone or more target voyages for identifiable vessels. In someembodiments, the information sources can include conflicting orincomplete information. Although the operation of the carrierinformation processing service 122 will be described with regard to theplurality of information sources, one skilled in the relevant art willappreciate that the plurality of information sources is not required tobe any particular combination of the illustrative sources utilized inthe illustrative examples. In some embodiments, the information sources130 may transmit raw information sources directly to the carrierinformation processing service 122 based on a request (pull) orregistration (push). Such transmissions may be based on receipt of newinformation, time of day, and the like. Additionally, in otherembodiments, the information sources 130 can implement variousadditional interactions or communication protocols, such as APIs, tofacilitate the transmission of carrier information.

At (2), the carrier information processing service 122 processes thevarious raw information sources from the carrier information source 130.Illustratively, each raw information source can be formatted andtransmitted in a different manner. Accordingly, processing the rawinformation to extract or parse relevant information for formingpotential voyage paths may be unique for each type of informationsource. For example, AIS information can include vessel locationinformation and additional information about the vessel. MI informationcan include unique codes or other nomenclature for each third-partyreports. Processing can include extraction and removal of redundantinformation. Fixture information can also include unique codes or othernomenclature for each fixture report. Port authority or line up systeminformation can include unique codes or other nomenclature. Processingcan include extraction, aggregation and removal of redundantinformation. The historical information can include previous locationsand actions for identifiable vessels. Processing can includedetermination most probably operation at locations, allowed operations,port distributions, and the like.

In each of the above examples, the carrier information may be encoded ina difficult to read specific format or in a form requiring additionalprocessing to be read. For example, MI information may be transmitted inplaintext format, such as email, in which location information isreferenced according to a multi-letter code. Such codes may not bereadily discernable by a layperson without specific knowledge.Additionally, the carrier information source may not provide labels ormarkers that separate different portions of the carrier information.Accordingly, processing the carrier information can include parsing thedifferent portions of the information, translating specific coding, orsupplementing information included in the carrier information withadditional contextual information. In some embodiments, the carrierinformation processing service 122 can generate user interfaces orinformation utilized by the user devices 102 that correspond to a humanreadable or human interpretable version of the processed carrierinformation.

At (3), the carrier information processing service 122 generates pathscenarios from processed raw information. Illustratively, the carrierinformation processing service 122 can utilize the processed rawinformation to form one or more skeleton scenario paths that identifyone or more locations and possible actions at each location foridentifiable vessels. Each skeleton scenario path can include variousanchor points that will function as identifiable reference points forcombining or aggregating the skeleton scenario paths. Illustratively,the anchor points can include identifiable locations in voyageinformation that can be matched when compared. Each different type ofinformation source can be processed to generate the skeleton scenariopath. For example, the carrier information processing service 122 canutilized the AIS information to identify future destinations and anyaction that can be attributed to the identifiable location. For MIinformation, the carrier information processing service 122 can identifydifferent types of locations (e.g., ports, waypoints, shipyards, etc.)and attempts to associate a different activity based on the type oflocation. For fixture information, the carrier information processingservice 122 can utilize complete load and discharge information togenerate the skeleton scenario paths. For Port Authority information,the carrier information processing service 122 can utilize complete loadand discharge information to generate the skeleton scenario paths. Foreach of the above information examples and for custom user, the carrierinformation processing service 122 can include estimations or guessesfor possible next scenarios.

At (4), the carrier information processing service 122 evaluates thepath scenarios. Illustratively, the carrier information processingservice 122 can first combine the various skeleton scenario paths byassociating the anchor points in the scenario skeleton paths. If thecombined paths contain only port level information, the path isconsidered complete. For any remaining paths that are not combinable,the carrier information processing service 122 can create a graph of allpossible permissible paths and assign weights to each graph based onprobability of each variation/alternative. The weights canillustratively be based on historical voyage information as input orother expert information sources. The resulting path with the least (ormost) weight will be considered the least (or most) probable path.

Illustratively, for each completed path, the carrier informationprocessing service 122 can then assign or apply a penalty model relatedto the locations and activities associated with the identified locationsand activities in each target completed path. For example, the carrierinformation processing service 122 can assign penalties for certainactivities, such as repairs or stops, that may not be indicative ofvessels in voyage. In another example, the carrier informationprocessing service 122 can associate penalties for multiple dischargeand loading activities that exceed a threshold or that otherwise are notindicative of typical activities. The carrier information processingservice 122 can also utilize control rules that associate a degree ofsuitability of the locations and actions in the complete target path andassociate a score attributable to the control rules. The control rulesattempt to score locations and actions that are matched from multiplesources, which increases the likelihood that the location and actionsare correct. Still further, the carrier information processing service122 can also attribute feasibility of the target paths. Illustratively,feasibility attributes the likelihood that the associated actions arefeasible. For example, the carrier information processing service 122can penalize a path in which a load operation is identified for a vesselthat is attributed with a full load. In another example, carrierinformation processing service 122 can penalize a path in whichdischarge operation occurs prior to load operations for the cargo. Basedon the processing, the carrier information processing service 122attributes a score for each complete target path.

At (5), the carrier information processing service 122 generates aranked set of path scenarios for each identifiable vessel. The set ofpaths are ranked. Additionally, the ranked set of paths can also includea confidence value indicative of the attributed strength of the sorting.

At (6), the carrier information processing service 122 generates pathscenario interfaces for display on the user device 102. Illustratively,the path scenario interfaces are responsive to the request received fromthe user device 102. Such interfaces can include an identification ofpaths for identified vessels, an identification of possible vesselsattributable to a defined port within a time range, a density functionassociated with the estimated number of possible vessels relative tohistorical and current information. For example, values below one areindicative of a lower number of available vessels than historicallyavailable. Values above one are indicative of a higher number ofavailable vessels. Accordingly, users can utilize the densityinformation to attribute shipping freight values/prices based onavailable supply. At (7), the user device 102 and carrier informationprocessing service 122 can interact via the interface for additionalsearching, processing requests and the like.

Turning now to FIG. 5, a routine 500 for processing carrier informationimplemented by the carrier information processing service 122 will bedescribed. At block 502, the carrier information processing service 122receives a request for carrier planning and information sourceidentification. Illustratively, the user device 102 transmits a carrierpath and planning request to the carrier information processing service122. The transmission of the request can include various protocols toestablish secure communications and authenticate the user computingdevice with the carrier information processing service 122.Additionally, the request can identify potential carrier informationsources (or credentials), levels of information access (or credentials),and the like. In some embodiments, the carrier information processingservice 122 can maintain and utilize profiles so that the request fromuser device 102 would not necessarily require the transmission ofcredentials each time. Additionally, for purposes of the illustration,the request can also identify search criteria (or access defaultcriteria) that can identify particular ports of interest, dates ofshipping, types of cargo, and the like.

As described above, the carrier information processing service 122processes the request from the user device 102 and identifies thecarrier information sources 130. Illustratively, the identification ofthe carrier information sources can be based on credentials included inthe request or maintained in a profile. In other embodiments, thecarrier information processing service 122 can process information aboutthe user computing device 102 request to identify information sourcesincluding information sources not identified by the user or userrequest. For example, individual information sources may providecriteria that indicate user eligibility for information.

Still further, the carrier information processing service 122 configuresconditional access rules that identify the level or type of informationthat users may access for path planning. As described above, in oneembodiment, the carrier information processing service 122 can filter orotherwise assign information provided by carrier information sources 130based on conditional accesses rules. The conditional access rulesillustratively facilitate the carrier information processing service 122processing received carrier information based on user credentials, timeof day, and other criteria. The conditional access rules can bemaintained on a per user basis, per carrier information source basis orboth.

At block 504, the carrier information processing service 122 and aplurality of information sources 130 exchange raw information sourcesrelated to the travel of carrier equipment, such as vessels. By way ofexample, the plurality of information sources can include one or moreAIS information sources that described various information about thevessels, including vessel attributes, location, movement, direction andstated voyage. The plurality of information sources can also includemarketing intelligence system information sources that can includevarious information regarding the intended voyage locations foridentifiable vessels or carriers provided by independent third-parties,such as broker reports. The plurality of information can also includeone or more fixture information sources that identify informationregarding cargo loading/discharging and capacity for identifiablevessels. The plurality of information sources can further include one ormore port authority information sources that identify variousinformation regarding actions associated with identifiable vessels,cargo and attributable actions (e.g., loading, discharging, etc.). Theplurality of information sources can also include one or more user inputinformation sources that correspond to custom or manually enteredinformation about identifiable vessels. The plurality of informationsources can also include one or more historical information sources forrelaying information regarding historical voyages for identifiablevessels or carriers.

Illustratively, the carrier information processing service 122 canreceive multiple information, process the information to form one ormore target voyages for identifiable vessels. In some embodiments, theinformation sources can be attributed to conflicting or incompleteinformation. Although the operation of the carrier informationprocessing service 122 will be described with regard to the plurality ofinformation sources, one skilled in the relevant art will appreciatethat the plurality of information sources is not required to be anyparticular combination of the illustrative sources utilized in theillustrative examples. In some embodiments, the information sources 130may transmit raw information sources directly to the carrier informationprocessing service 122 based on a request (pull) or registration (push).Such transmissions may be based on receipt of new information, time ofday, and the like. Additionally, in other embodiments, the informationsources 130 can implement various additional interactions orcommunication protocols, such as APIs, to facilitate the transmission ofcarrier information.

At block 506, the carrier information processing service 122 processesthe various raw information sources from the carrier information source130. Illustratively, each raw information source can be formatted andtransmitted in a different manner. Accordingly, processing the rawinformation to extract or parse relevant information for formingpotential voyage paths may be unique for each type of informationsource. For example, AIS information can include vessel locationinformation and additional information about the vessel. MI informationcan include unique codes or other nomenclature for each third-partyreports. Fixture information can also include unique codes or othernomenclature for each fixture report. Port authority system informationcan include unique codes or other nomenclature. As described above, forthe above-described information, the processing of the information caninclude extraction, aggregation and removal of redundant information.Additionally, each of the carrier information sources can be in a formatthat is encoded in an industry specific format. The historicalinformation can include previous locations and actions for identifiablevessels. Processing can include a determination of most probableoperation at locations, allowed operations, port distributions, and thelike. An illustrative data processing routine will be described withregard to FIG. 6.

At block 508, the carrier information processing service 122 generatespath scenarios from processed raw information. Illustratively, thecarrier information processing service 122 can utilize the processed rawinformation to form one or more skeleton scenario paths that identifyone or more locations and possible actions at each location foridentifiable vessels. Each skeleton scenario path can include variousanchor points that will function as identifiable reference points, suchas identifiable locations, for combining or aggregating the skeletonscenario paths. Each different type of information source can beprocessed to generate the skeleton scenario path. For example, thecarrier information processing service 122 can utilize the AISinformation to identify future destinations and any action that can beattributed to the identifiable location. For MI information, the carrierinformation processing service 122 can identify different types oflocations (e.g., ports, waypoints, shipyards, etc.) and attempts toassociate a different activity based on the type of location. Forfixture information, the carrier information processing service 122 canutilize complete load and discharge information to generate the skeletonscenario paths. For Port Authority information, the carrier informationprocessing service 122 can utilize complete load and dischargeinformation to generate the skeleton scenario paths. For each of theabove information examples and for custom user, the carrier informationprocessing service 122 can include estimations or guesses for possiblenext scenarios. An illustrative path generation process will bedescribed with regard to FIG. 7. In some embodiments, the scale of theprocessed information can generate an initial set of skeleton scenariopaths that includes a large number of potential paths.

At block 510, the carrier information processing service 122 evaluatesthe path scenarios. Illustratively, the carrier information processingservice 122 can first combine the various skeleton scenario paths byassociating the anchor points in the scenario skeleton paths.Illustratively, the combination of skeleton scenario paths by utilizingcommon anchor points (e.g., common reference locations) cansubstantially reduce the set of potential paths that will requireadditional evaluation/scoring as described herein. Such combinationresults in increased processing efficiency by reducing the redundantevaluation of skeleton scenario paths. Additionally, the reduction ofthe skeleton scenario paths can decrease the overall processing time ofroutine 500, which provides overall improved performance of the carrierinformation processing service 122 and can increase the perception of areal-time response to incoming carrier information. If the combinedpaths contain complete information for evaluation, such as locationinformation and attributed actions, the path is considered complete. Forany remaining paths that are not combinable, the carrier informationprocessing service 122 can create a graph of all possible permissiblepaths and assign weights to each graph based on probability of eachvariation/alternative. The weights can illustratively be based onhistorical voyage information as input or other expert informationsources. The resulting path with the least (or most) weight will beconsidered the least (or most) probable path. For example, the carrierinformation processing service 122 can utilize graph analysis to findthe shortest graphical path based on the graphed probabilities.

Illustratively, for each completed path, the carrier informationprocessing service 122 can then assign or apply a penalty model relatedto the locations and activities associated with the identified locationsand activities in each target completed path. For example, the carrierinformation processing service 122 can assign penalties for certainactivities, such as repairs or stops, that may not be indicative ofvessels in voyage. In another example, the carrier informationprocessing service 122 can associate penalties for multiple dischargeand loading activities that exceed a threshold or that otherwise are notindicative of typical activities. The carrier information processingservice 122 can also utilize control rules that associate a degree ofsuitability of the locations and actions in the complete target path andassociate a score attributable to the control rules. The control rulesattempt to score locations and actions that are matched from multiplesources, which increased the likelihood that the location and actionsare correct. Still further, the carrier information processing service122 can also attribute feasibility of the target paths. Illustratively,feasibility attributes the likelihood that the associated actions arefeasible. For example, the carrier information processing service 122can penalize a path in which a load operation is identified for a vesselthat is attributed with a full load. In another example, carrierinformation processing service 122 can penalize a path in whichdischarge operation occurs prior to load operations for the cargo. Basedon the processing, the carrier information processing service 122attributes a score for each complete target path. An illustrative pathevaluation process will be described with regard to FIG. 8.

At block 512, the carrier information processing service 122 generates aranked set of path scenarios for each identifiable vessel. The rankedset of paths includes a sorting for each path. Additionally, the rankedset of paths can also include a confidence value indicative of theattributed strength of the sorting.

At block 514, the carrier information processing service 122 generatespath scenario interfaces for display on the user device 102.Illustratively, the path scenario interfaces are responsive to therequest received from the user device 102. Such interfaces can includean identification of paths for identified vessels, an identification ofpossible vessels attributable to a defined port within a time range, adensity function associated with the estimated number of possiblevessels relative to historical information. For example, values belowone are indicative of a lower number of available vessels thanhistorically available. Values above one are indicative of a highernumber of available vessels. Accordingly, users can utilize the densityinformation to attribute shipping values/prices based on availablesupply. Illustrative interfaces generated by the carrier informationprocessing service 122 will be described with regard to FIGS. 9 and 10.At block 516, the routine 500 terminates.

Turning now to FIG. 6, a routine 600 implemented by the carrierinformation processing service 122 for processing raw informationsources will be described. At block 602, the carrier informationprocessing service 122 and a plurality of information sources 130exchange raw information sources related to the travel of carrierequipment, such as vessels. By way of example, the plurality ofinformation sources can include one or more AIS information sources thatdescribed various information about the vessels, including vesselattributes, location, movement, direction and stated voyage. Theplurality of information sources can also include marketing intelligencesystem information sources that can include various informationregarding the intended voyage locations for identifiable vessels orcarriers provided by independent third-parties, such as broker reports.The plurality of information can also include one or more fixtureinformation sources that identify information regarding cargo loadingand capacity for identifiable vessels. The plurality of informationsources can further include one or more port authority informationsources that identify various information regarding actions associatedwith identifiable vessels, cargo and attributable actions (e.g.,loading, discharging, etc.). The plurality of information sources canalso include one or more user input information sources that correspondto custom or manually entered information about identifiable vessels.The plurality of information sources can also include one or morehistorical information sources for relaying information regardinghistorical voyages for identifiable vessels or carriers. At block 604,the carrier information processing service 122 stores the rawinformation sources and indexes for future use.

As described previously, the carrier information processing service 122can receive multiple information, process the information to form one ormore target voyages for identifiable vessels. In some embodiments, theinformation sources can be attributed to conflicting or incompleteinformation. Although the operation of the carrier informationprocessing service 122 will be described with regard to the plurality ofinformation sources, one skilled in the relevant art will appreciatethat the plurality of information sources is not required to be anyparticular combination of the illustrative sources utilized in theillustrative examples. In some embodiments, the information sources 130may transmit raw information sources directly to the carrier informationprocessing service 122 based on a request (pull) or registration (push).Such transmissions may be based on receipt of new information, time ofday, and the like. Additionally, in other embodiments, the informationsources 130 can implement various additional interactions orcommunication protocols, such as APIs, to facilitate the transmission ofcarrier information.

At block 606, the carrier information processing service 122 processesthe various raw information sources from the carrier information source130. Illustratively, each raw information source can be formatted andtransmitted in a different manner. Accordingly, processing the rawinformation to extract or parse relevant information for formingpotential voyage paths may be unique for each type of informationsource. For example, AIS information can include vessel locationinformation and additional information about the vessel. MI informationcan include unique codes or other nomenclature for each third-partyreports. Fixture information and port authority system can also includeunique codes or other nomenclature for each fixture report. Processingcan include extraction and removal of redundant information. Asdescribed above, for the above-described information, the processing ofthe information can include extraction, aggregation and removal ofredundant information. Additionally, each of the carrier informationsources can be encoded in an industry specific format. Processing caninclude extraction, aggregation and removal of redundant information.The historical information can include previous locations and actionsfor identifiable vessels. Processing can include determination mostprobably operation at locations, allowed operations, port distributions,and the like. At block 608, the carrier information processing service122 generates processed reports for utilization in the generation ofpaths. At block 610, the routine 600 terminates.

With reference to FIG. 7, a routine 700 implemented by the carrierinformation processing service 122 for generation of target paths willbe described. Illustratively, the carrier information processing service122 can utilize the processed raw information to form one or moreskeleton scenario paths that identify one or more locations and possibleactions at each location for identifiable vessels.

Accordingly, at block 702, the carrier information processing service122 enters into an iterative loop by selecting the next processinginformation. At block 704, the carrier information processing service122 generates path scenarios from processed raw information. Eachskeleton scenario path can include various anchor points that willfunction as identifiable reference points for combining or aggregatingthe skeleton scenario paths. Each different type of information sourcecan be processed to generate the skeleton scenario path. For example,the carrier information processing service 122 can utilize the AISinformation to identify future destinations and any action that can beattributed to the identifiable location. For MI information, the carrierinformation processing service 122 can identify different types oflocations (e.g., ports, waypoints, shipyards, etc.) and attempts toassociate a different activity based on the type of location. Forfixture information, the carrier information processing service 122 canutilize complete load and discharge information to generate the skeletonscenario paths. For Port Authority information, the carrier informationprocessing service 122 can utilize complete load and dischargeinformation to generate the skeleton scenario paths. For each of theabove information examples and for custom user, the carrier informationprocessing service 122 can include estimations or guesses for possiblenext scenarios. At block 706, the carrier information processing service122 defines anchor points in each skeleton scenario path. At decisionblock 708, a test is conducted to determine whether additional processedraw information sources are available. If so, the routine 700 returns toblock 702.

Once all the information sources have been processed, at block 710, thecarrier information processing service 122 combines the various skeletonscenario paths by associating the anchor points in the scenario skeletonpaths. If the combined paths contain only port level information, thepath is considered complete. For any remaining paths that are notcombinable, at block 712, the carrier information processing service 122can create a graph of all possible permissible paths and assign weightsto the graph based on estimated probabilities of eachvariation/alternative. The weights can illustratively be based onhistorical voyage information as input or other expert informationsources. The resulting path with the least (or most) weight will beconsidered the least (or most) probable path.

Illustratively, for each completed path, at block 714, the carrierinformation processing service 122 can then assign or apply a penaltymodel related to the locations and activities associated with theidentified locations and activities in each target completed path. Forexample, the carrier information processing service 122 can assignpenalties for certain activities, such as repairs or stops, that may notbe indicative of vessels in voyage. In another example, the carrierinformation processing service 122 can associated penalties for multipledischarge and loading activities that exceed a threshold or thatotherwise are not indicative of typical activities. At block 716, theroutine 700 terminates.

With reference now to FIG. 8, a routine 800 implemented by the carrierinformation processing service 122 will be described. At block 802, thecarrier information processing service 122 obtains the processed targetpaths. As described above, the carrier information processing service122 can also utilize control rules that associate a degree ofsuitability of the locations and actions in the complete target path andassociate a score attributable to the control rules. The control rulesattempt to score locations and actions that are matched from multiplesources, which increased the likelihood that the location and actionsare correct. Accordingly, at block 806, the carrier informationprocessing service 122 determines the suitability score based onapplication of the controls rules.

Still further, the carrier information processing service 122 can alsoattribute feasibility of the target paths. Illustratively, feasibilityattributes the likelihood that the associated actions are feasible. Atblock 808, the carrier information processing service 122 assigns ascore of future path suitability. For example, the carrier informationprocessing service 122 can penalize a path in which a load operation isidentified for a vessel that is attributed with a full load. In anotherexample, carrier information processing service 122 can penalize a pathin which discharge operation occurs prior to load operations for thecargo. Based on the processing, the carrier information processingservice 122 attributes a score for each complete target path. At block810, the routine 810 terminates.

Turning now to FIGS. 9 and 10, illustrative interfaces generated by thecarrier information processing service 122 will be described. Withreference to FIG. 9, a first interface 902 can be utilized to searchinformation from a user. Illustratively, the screen interface 902 caninclude controls for identify shipping ports 904, 906, shipping dates908, 910, destination ports 912, 914 and cargo types 916, 918. Thefields can include various information that can be manually entered intothe interface, extracted from profiles or populated with defaultinformation. Additionally, the interface 902 can include alternativefields or data entry models for obtaining the information.

The screen interface 902 can also include an identification of set ofvessels 920 that have an estimated path that is predicted to be able tosatisfy the entered search criteria. The list may be stacked rankedbased on the calculated score, which can be indicative of the confidencevalue of the predicated path. The list may also be stack ranked based onuser preferences for specific carriers or vessels or based on historicaluse of a carrier or vessel. The screen interface can further include adescription of value index. As described above, the value index cancorrespond to a density function associated with the estimated number ofpossible vessels relative to historical information. For example, valuesbelow one are indicative of a lower number of available vessels thanhistorically available. Values above one are indicative of a highernumber of available vessels. Accordingly, users can utilize the densityinformation to attribute shipping values/prices based on availablesupply.

With reference now to FIG. 10, an interface 1002 generated by thecarrier information processing service 122 for display on a user device102 will be described. Interface 1002 corresponds to details about theestimate voyage of an identified vessel. The interface includes fieldsfor identifying the vessel 1004 and a confidence value for the estimatedpath 1006. As described above, the confidence value can correspond tothe ranking score generated by the carrier information processingservice 122.

The interface can also include a graphical representation of theprojected voyage 1006. The graphical representation can identify one ormore locations, actions associated with each location and possiblealternatives if multiple paths have been identified. In one embodiment,the different alternatives may be identifying or characterized usingdifferent visual cues to identify confidence values for eachalternative. Illustratively, the confidence value can be representativeof the penalty values, the suitability scores, the feasibility scores orother calculation. The visual cues can be based on different colors,line weights, fonts, and the like. Additionally, the screen interfacecan include additional graphical icons or cues that graphicallyrepresent attributes of the path locations (e.g., types of actions,etc.).

One or more aspects of the present application can include thefollowing:

-   Clause 1: A system for determining availability of shipping vessels    for future shipping voyages based on a dynamic set of vessel    information sources comprising:    -   one or more computing devices associated individual vessel        information sources, wherein the individual vessel information        sources transmit vessel information associated with individual        vessels;    -   one or more computing devices associated with a vessel path and        shipment planning service, wherein the vessel path and shipment        planning service is configured to:        -   obtain a request for vessel planning and information source            identification corresponding to possible vessels for            contracting;        -   receive a set of vessel information from a plurality of            vessel information sources including at least a first set of            non-indexed vessel data from a first vessel information            source and a second set of non-indexed vessel data from a            second vessel information source, the first and second sets            of vessel data being formatted differently;        -   index the first and second sets of non-indexed vessel data            with vessel identity data portions, vessel location data            portions, and vessel loading status data portions, so as to            generate first and second sets of indexed vessel data;        -   process the set of vessel information including the first            and second sets of indexed vessel data to form a number of            skeleton scenario paths for identifiable vessels, wherein            individual skeleton scenario paths for a vessel are defined            by one or more anchor points;        -   combine the plurality of skeleton scenario paths to form a            number of target paths for individual identifiable vessels,            wherein the plurality of skeleton scenario paths are            combined according to common anchor points such that the            number of resulting target paths is fewer than the number of            skeleton scenario paths;        -   determining feasibility of target paths based on vessel size            and forecast weather conditions along each of the target            paths according to control rules, wherein individual target            paths are scored according to the control rules;        -   apply a penalty model to the target paths, the penalty model            reflective of the location information included in the            target paths;        -   generate a ranked list of the target paths for the            individual identifiable vessels; and        -   for a requested location, generate an interface responsive            to the request for vessel planning and information source            identification identifying at least a subset of the            identified individual vessels based on the generated ranked            list of target paths and a value indicator associated with a            density of the at least a subset of the identified            individual vessels.-   Clause 2: The system of claim 1, wherein the individual vessel    information sources transmit two or more types of vessel information    associated with individual vessels and wherein access to individual    types of vessel information is based on one or more attributes    associated with a user.-   Clause 3: The system of claim 2, wherein the vessel path and    shipment planning service receives the set of vessel information    from the plurality of vessel information sources based on submitted    attributes associated with the user.-   Clause 4: The system of claim 1, wherein the control rules applied    by the vessel path and shipment planning service associate a score    to a target path based on a determined degree of suitability for the    target path.-   Clause 5: A system for managing interaction with carriers based on a    dynamic set of carrier information sources comprising:    -   one or more computing devices associated individual carrier        information sources, wherein the individual carrier information        sources transmit carrier information associated with individual        vessels;    -   one or more computing devices associated with a carrier path and        shipment planning service, wherein the carrier path and shipment        planning service is configured to:        -   obtain a request for carrier planning and information source            identification corresponding to possible vessels for            contracting;        -   receive a set of carrier information from a plurality of            carrier information sources;        -   process the set of carrier information to form a plurality            of skeleton scenario paths for identifiable vessels, wherein            individual skeleton scenario paths for a vessel are defined            by one or more anchor points;        -   combine the plurality of skeleton scenario paths to form            target paths for individual identifiable vessels, wherein            the plurality of skeleton scenario paths are combined            according to common anchor points and wherein individual            target paths are scored according to control rules;        -   apply a penalty model to the target paths, the penalty model            reflective of the location information included in the            target paths;        -   generate a ranked list of the target paths for the            individual identifiable vessels; and        -   for a requested location, generate an interface responsive            to the request for carrier planning and information source            identification identifying at least a subset of the            identified individual vessels based on the generated ranked            list of target paths and a value indicator associated with a            density of the at least a subset of the identified            individual vessels.-   Clause 6: The system of claim 5, wherein the individual carrier    information sources transmit two or more types of carrier    information associated with individual vessels and wherein access to    individual types of carrier information is based on one or more    attributes associated with a user.-   Clause 7: The system of claim 6, wherein the carrier path and    shipment planning service receives the set of carrier information    from the plurality of carrier information sources based on submitted    attributes associated with the user.-   Clause 8: The system of claim 5, wherein the control rules applied    by the carrier path and shipment planning service associate a score    to a target path based on a determined degree of suitability for the    target path.-   Clause 9: The system of claim 5, wherein the control rules applied    by the carrier path and shipment planning service associate a score    to a target path based on a determined degree of feasibility for the    target path.-   Clause 10: The system of claim 5, wherein the interface includes at    least one display characteristic indicative of a degree of    confidence associated with a target path for the identified    individual vessels.-   Clause 11: A computer-implemented method for generating an interface    from information associated with carriers comprising:    -   obtaining a request for carrier planning and information source        identification corresponding to possible vessels for contracting        at a defined location;    -   processing a set of carrier information for identifiable vessels        to form one or more target paths for individual identifiable        vessels, wherein individual target paths are scored according to        control rules;    -   generating a ranked list of the target paths for the individual        identifiable vessels; and    -   for the defined location, generating an interface responsive to        the request for carrier planning and information source        identification identifying at least a subset of the identified        individual vessels based on the generated ranked list of target        paths.-   Clause 12: The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 11    further comprising receiving a set of carrier information from a    plurality of carrier information sources, wherein the individual    carrier information sources transmit carrier information associated    with the individual identifiable vessels.-   Clause 13: The computer-implemented method of claim 12, wherein the    individual carrier information sources transmit two or more types of    carrier information associated with individual vessels and wherein    access to individual types of carrier information is based on one or    more attributes associated with a user.-   Clause 14: The computer-implemented method of claim 13, wherein    receiving the set of carrier information from the plurality of    carrier information sources includes receiving at least one of the    two or more types of carrier information based on submitted    attributes associated with the user.-   Clause 15: The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein    processing a set of carrier information for identifiable vessels to    form one or more target paths for individual identifiable vessels    includes:    -   forming a plurality of skeleton scenario paths for identifiable        vessels, wherein individual skeleton scenario paths for a vessel        are defined by one or more anchor points; and    -   combining the plurality of skeleton scenario paths to form        target paths for individual identifiable vessels, wherein the        plurality of skeleton scenario paths are combined according to        common anchor points.-   Clause 16: The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the    control rules applied by the carrier path and shipment planning    service associate a score to a target path based on a determined    degree of suitability for the target path.-   Clause 17: The computer-implemented method of claim 16, wherein the    degree of suitability corresponds to matching location information    for locations included in the target path.-   Clause 18: The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the    control rules applied by the carrier path and shipment planning    service associate a score to a target path based on a determined    degree of feasibility for the target path.-   Clause 19: The computer-implemented method of claim 18, wherein the    degree of feasibility corresponds to processing activities    associated with locations included in the target path.-   Clause 20: The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the    interface includes at least one display characteristic indicative of    a degree of confidence associated with a target path for the    identified individual vessels.-   Clause 21: A computer-implemented method for managing information    associated with carriers comprising:    -   processing a set of carrier information for identifiable vessels        to form one or more target paths for individual identifiable        vessels, wherein individual target paths are scored according to        control rules;    -   generating a ranked list of the target paths for the individual        identifiable vessels; and    -   characterizing at least a subset of the identified individual        vessels as associated with specified locations and dates based        on the generated ranked list of target paths.-   Clause 22: The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 21    further comprising receiving a set of carrier information from a    plurality of carrier information sources, wherein the individual    carrier information sources transmit carrier information associated    with the individual identifiable vessels.-   Clause 23: The computer-implemented method of claim 22, wherein the    individual carrier information sources transmit two or more types of    carrier information associated with individual vessels and wherein    access to individual types of carrier information is based on one or    more attributes associated with a user.-   Clause 24: The computer-implemented method of claim 22, wherein    receiving the set of carrier information from the plurality of    carrier information sources includes receiving at least one of the    two or more types of carrier information based on submitted    attributes associated with the user.-   Clause 25: The computer-implemented method of claim 22 further    comprising filtering at least one of the two or more types of    carrier information based on submitted attributes associated with    the user.-   Clause 26: The computer-implemented method of claim 22, wherein    processing the set of carrier information for identifiable vessels    to form one or more target paths for individual identifiable vessels    includes:    -   forming a plurality of skeleton scenario paths for identifiable        vessels, wherein individual skeleton scenario paths for a vessel        are defined by one or more anchor points; and    -   combining the plurality of skeleton scenario paths to form        target paths for individual identifiable vessels, wherein the        plurality of skeleton scenario paths are combined according to        common anchor points.-   Clause 27: The computer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein the    control rules applied by the carrier path and shipment planning    service associate a score to a target path based on a determined    degree of suitability for the target path.-   Clause 28: The computer-implemented method of claim 27, wherein the    degree of suitability corresponds to matching timing information for    locations included in the target path.-   Clause 29: The computer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein the    control rules applied by the carrier path and shipment planning    service associate a score to a target path based on a determined    degree of feasibility for the target path.-   Clause 30: The computer-implemented method of claim 29, wherein the    degree of feasibility corresponds to matching predicted activities    with one or more historic activities in the target path.-   Clause 31: The computer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein    characterizing at least a subset of the identified individual    vessels as associated with specified locations and dates based on    the generated ranked list of target paths includes generating an    interface responsive to the request for carrier planning and    information source identification identifying at least a subset of    the identified individual vessels based on the generated ranked list    of target paths.-   Clause 32: The computer-implemented method of claim 31, wherein the    interface includes at least one display characteristic indicative of    a degree of confidence associated with a target path for the    identified individual vessels.-   Clause 33: The computer-implemented method of claim 31, wherein the    interface includes a value indicator associated with a density of    the at least a subset of the identified individual vessels.-   Clause 34: A system for managing interaction with carriers based on    a dynamic set of carrier information sources comprising:    -   one or more computing devices associated individual carrier        information sources, wherein the individual carrier information        sources transmit carrier information associated with individual        vessels;    -   one or more computing devices associated with a carrier path and        shipment planning service, wherein the carrier path and shipment        planning service is configured to:        -   process a set of carrier information for a plurality of            vessels to form one or more target paths for individual            identifiable vessels, wherein individual target paths are            scored according to control rules;        -   generate a ranked list of the target paths for the            individual identifiable vessels; and        -   characterize at least a portion of the plurality of            individual vessels as associated with specified locations            and dates based on the generated ranked list of target            paths.-   Clause 35: The system of claim 34, wherein the individual carrier    information sources transmit two or more types of carrier    information associated with individual vessels and wherein access to    individual types of carrier information is based on one or more    attributes associated with a user.-   Clause 36: The system of claim 35, wherein the carrier path and    shipment planning service receives the set of carrier information    from the plurality of carrier information sources based on submitted    attributes associated with the user.-   Clause 37: The system of claim 34, wherein the control rules applied    by the carrier path and shipment planning service associate a score    to a target path based on a determined degree of suitability for the    target path.-   Clause 38: The system of claim 34, wherein the control rules applied    by the carrier path and shipment planning service associate a score    to a target path based on a determined degree of feasibility for the    target path.-   Clause 39: The system of claim 34, wherein the interface includes at    least one display characteristic indicative of a degree of    confidence associated with a target path for the identified    individual vessels.-   Clause 40: The system of claim 34, wherein the carrier path and    shipment planning service is further configured to obtain a request    for carrier planning and information source identification    corresponding to possible vessels for contracting;-   Clause 41: The system of claim 34, wherein the carrier path and    shipment planning service processes the set of carrier information    for the plurality of vessels to form one or more target paths for    individual identifiable vessels by processing the set of carrier    information to form a plurality of skeleton scenario paths for    identifiable vessels, wherein individual skeleton scenario paths for    a vessel are defined by one or more anchor points;-   Clause 42: The system of claim 41, wherein the carrier path and    shipment planning service processes the set of carrier information    for a plurality of vessels to form one or more target paths for    individual identifiable vessels by combining the plurality of    skeleton scenario paths to form target paths for individual    identifiable vessels, wherein the plurality of skeleton scenario    paths are combined according to common anchor points and wherein    individual target paths are scored according to control rules;-   Clause 43: The system of claim 34, wherein the carrier path and    shipment planning service processes the set of carrier information    for a plurality of vessels to form one or more target paths for    individual identifiable vessels by applying a penalty model to the    target paths, the penalty model reflective of the location    information included in the target paths;-   Clause 44: The system of claim 34, wherein the carrier path and    shipment planning service characterizes at least a subset of the    identified individual vessels as associated with specified locations    and dates based on the generated ranked list of target paths    includes generating an interface responsive to the request for    carrier planning and information source identification identifying    at least a subset of the identified individual vessels based on the    generated ranked list of target paths.-   Clause 45: The system of claim 44, wherein the interface includes at    least one display characteristic indicative of a degree of    confidence associated with a target path for the identified    individual vessels.

Clause 46: The system of claim 44, wherein the interface includes avalue indicator associated with a density of the at least a subset ofthe identified individual vessels.

All of the methods and tasks described herein may be performed and fullyautomated by a computer system. The computer system may, in some cases,include multiple distinct computers or computing devices (e.g., physicalservers, workstations, storage arrays, cloud computing resources, etc.)that communicate and interoperate over a network to perform thedescribed functions. Each such computing device typically includes aprocessor (or multiple processors) that executes program instructions ormodules stored in a memory or other non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium or device (e.g., solid state storage devices, diskdrives, etc.). The various functions disclosed herein may be embodied insuch program instructions, or may be implemented in application-specificcircuitry (e.g., ASICs or FPGAs) of the computer system. Where thecomputer system includes multiple computing devices, these devices may,but need not, be co-located. The results of the disclosed methods andtasks may be persistently stored by transforming physical storagedevices, such as solid state memory chips or magnetic disks, into adifferent state. In some embodiments, the computer system may be acloud-based computing system whose processing resources are shared bymultiple distinct business entities or other users.

Depending on the embodiment, certain acts, events, or functions of anyof the processes or algorithms described herein can be performed in adifferent sequence, can be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g.,not all described operations or events are necessary for the practice ofthe algorithm). Moreover, in certain embodiments, operations or eventscan be performed concurrently, e.g., through multi-threaded processing,interrupt processing, or multiple processors or processor cores or onother parallel architectures, rather than sequentially.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, routines, andalgorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosedherein can be implemented as electronic hardware (e.g., ASICs or FPGAdevices), computer software that runs on computer hardware, orcombinations of both. Moreover, the various illustrative logical blocksand modules described in connection with the embodiments disclosedherein can be implemented or performed by a machine, such as a processordevice, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) orother programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic,discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed toperform the functions described herein. A processor device can be amicroprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor device can be acontroller, microcontroller, or state machine, combinations of the same,or the like. A processor device can include electrical circuitryconfigured to process computer-executable instructions. In anotherembodiment, a processor device includes an FPGA or other programmabledevice that performs logic operations without processingcomputer-executable instructions. A processor device can also beimplemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combinationof a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one ormore microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration. Although described herein primarily with respect todigital technology, a processor device may also include primarily analogcomponents. For example, some or all of the rendering techniquesdescribed herein may be implemented in analog circuitry or mixed analogand digital circuitry. A computing environment can include any type ofcomputer system, including, but not limited to, a computer system basedon a microprocessor, a mainframe computer, a digital signal processor, aportable computing device, a device controller, or a computationalengine within an appliance, to name a few.

The elements of a method, process, routine, or algorithm described inconnection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodieddirectly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processordevice, or in a combination of the two. A software module can reside inRAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory,registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium. An exemplary storagemedium can be coupled to the processor device such that the processordevice can read information from, and write information to, the storagemedium. In the alternative, the storage medium can be integral to theprocessor device. The processor device and the storage medium can residein an ASIC. The ASIC can reside in a user terminal. In the alternative,the processor device and the storage medium can reside as discretecomponents in a user terminal.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,”“might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically statedotherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, isgenerally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, whileother embodiments do not include, certain features, elements or steps.Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply thatfeatures, elements or steps are in any way required for one or moreembodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logicfor deciding, with or without other input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements or steps are included or are to be performed in anyparticular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,”and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-endedfashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts,operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusivesense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example,to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all ofthe elements in the list.

Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may beeither X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, or Z). Thus,such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not,imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least oneof Y, and at least one of Z to each be present.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout novel features as applied to various embodiments, it can beunderstood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in theform and details of the devices or algorithms illustrated can be madewithout departing from the spirit of the disclosure. As can berecognized, certain embodiments described herein can be embodied withina form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forthherein, as some features can be used or practiced separately fromothers. The scope of certain embodiments disclosed herein is indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. A system for determining availability of shipping vessels for futureshipping voyages based on a dynamic set of vessel information sourcescomprising: one or more computing devices associated with individualvessel information sources, wherein the individual vessel informationsources transmit vessel information associated with individual vessels;one or more computing devices associated with a vessel path and shipmentplanning service, wherein the vessel path and shipment planning serviceexecutes computer-readable instructions that when executed cause thevessel path and shipment planning service to: obtain a request forvessel planning and information source identification corresponding topossible vessels for contracting; receive a set of vessel informationfrom a plurality of vessel information sources including at least afirst set of non-indexed vessel data from a first vessel informationsource and a second set of non-indexed vessel data from a second vesselinformation source, the first and second sets of vessel data beingformatted differently; index the first and second sets of non-indexedvessel data with vessel identity data portions, vessel location dataportions, and vessel loading status data portions, so as to generatefirst and second sets of indexed vessel data; process the set of vesselinformation including the first and second sets of indexed vessel datato form a number of skeleton scenario paths for identifiable vessels,wherein individual skeleton scenario paths for a vessel are defined byone or more anchor points; combine the plurality of skeleton scenariopaths to form a number of target paths for individual identifiablevessels, wherein the plurality of skeleton scenario paths are combinedaccording to common anchor points such that the number of target pathsthat is to be evaluated is reduced; determining feasibility of each ofthe number of target paths according to control rules, wherein each ofthe number of target paths is scored according to the control rules;apply a penalty model to each of the number of target paths, the penaltymodel reflective of location information included in each of the numberof target paths; generate a ranked list of the target paths for theindividual identifiable vessels; and for a requested location, generatean interface responsive to the request for vessel planning andinformation source identification identifying at least a subset of theindividual identifiable vessels based on the generated ranked list oftarget paths and a value indicator associated with a density of the atleast a subset of the individual identifiable vessels.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the individual vessel information sources transmit twoor more types of vessel information associated with individual vesselsand wherein the individual types of vessel information is based on oneor more attributes associated with a user.
 3. The system of claim 2,wherein the vessel path and shipment planning service receives the setof vessel information from the plurality of vessel information sourcesbased on submitted attributes associated with the user.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the control rules applied by the vessel path andshipment planning service associate a score to a target path based on adetermined degree of suitability for the target path.
 5. A system formanaging interaction with carriers based on a dynamic set of carrierinformation sources comprising: one or more computing devices associatedwith individual carrier information sources, wherein the individualcarrier information sources transmit carrier information associated withindividual vessels; one or more computing devices associated with acarrier path and shipment planning service, wherein the carrier path andshipment planning service executes computer readable instructions thatwhen executed cause the carrier path and shipment planning service isconfigured to: obtain a request for carrier planning and informationsource identification corresponding to possible vessels for contracting;receive a set of carrier information from a plurality of carrierinformation sources; process the set of carrier information to form aplurality of skeleton scenario paths for identifiable vessels, whereinindividual skeleton scenario paths of the plurality of skeleton scenariopaths for a vessel are defined by one or more anchor points; combine theplurality of skeleton scenario paths to form target paths for individualidentifiable vessels, wherein the plurality of skeleton scenario pathsare combined according to common anchor points such that the number oftarget paths to be evaluated is reduced; score one or more of the targetpaths according to control rules; apply a penalty model to the targetpaths, the penalty model reflective of location information included inthe target paths; generate a ranked list of the target paths for theindividual identifiable vessels; and for a requested location, generatean interface responsive to the request for carrier planning andinformation source identification identifying at least a subset of theindividual identifiable vessels based on the generated ranked list oftarget paths and a value indicator associated with a density of the atleast a subset of the individual identifiable vessels.
 6. The system ofclaim 5, wherein the individual carrier information sources transmit twoor more types of carrier information associated with individual vesselsand wherein the individual types of carrier information is based on oneor more attributes associated with a user.
 7. The system of claim 6,wherein the carrier path and shipment planning service receives the setof carrier information from the plurality of carrier information sourcesbased on submitted attributes associated with the user.
 8. The system ofclaim 5, wherein the control rules applied by the carrier path andshipment planning service associate a score to a target path based on adetermined degree of suitability for the target path.
 9. The system ofclaim 5, wherein the control rules applied by the carrier path andshipment planning service associate a score to a target path based on adetermined degree of feasibility for the target path.
 10. The system ofclaim 5, wherein the interface includes at least one displaycharacteristic indicative of a degree of confidence associated with atarget path for the individual identifiable vessels.
 11. Acomputer-implemented method for generating an interface from informationassociated with carriers comprising: obtaining a request for carrierplanning and information source identification corresponding to possiblevessels for contracting at a defined location; forming a plurality ofskeleton scenario paths for identifiable vessels, wherein each of theskeleton scenario paths are based at least on a set of carrierinformation for the individual identifiable vessels and wherein each ofthe skeleton scenario paths for the individual identifiable vessels isdefined by one or more anchor points; combining the plurality ofskeleton scenario paths to form a plurality of target paths for theindividual identifiable vessels, wherein the plurality of skeletonscenario paths are combined according to common anchor points such thatthe number of target paths to be evaluated is reduced; scoring theplurality of target paths according to control rules; generating aranked list of the plurality of target paths for the individualidentifiable vessels; and for the defined location, generating aninterface responsive to the request for carrier planning and informationsource identification identifying at least a subset of the individualidentifiable vessel based on the generated ranked list of target paths.12. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 11 furthercomprising receiving a set of carrier information from a plurality ofcarrier information sources, wherein individual carrier informationsources of the plurality of carrier information sources transmit carrierinformation associated with the individual identifiable vessels.
 13. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 12, wherein the individual carrierinformation sources transmit two or more types of carrier informationassociated with individual identifiable vessels and wherein theindividual types of carrier information is based on one or moreattributes associated with a user.
 14. The computer-implemented methodof claim 13, wherein receiving the set of carrier information from theplurality of carrier information sources includes receiving at least oneof the two or more types of carrier information based on submittedattributes associated with the user.
 15. (canceled)
 16. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the control rulesapplied by a carrier path and shipment planning service associate ascore to a target path based on a determined degree of suitability forthe target path.
 17. The computer-implemented method of claim 16,wherein the degree of suitability corresponds to matching locationinformation to locations included in the target path.
 18. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the control rulesapplied by a carrier path and shipment planning service associate ascore to a target path based on a determined degree of feasibility forthe target path.
 19. The computer-implemented method of claim 18,wherein the degree of feasibility corresponds to processing activitiesassociated with locations included in the target path.
 20. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the interface includesat least one display characteristic indicative of a degree of confidenceassociated with a target path for the individual identifiable vessels.21. The computer-implemented method of claim 11 further comprisingapplying a penalty model to the plurality of target paths, the penaltymodel reflective of location information included in the plurality oftarget paths.